5 must watch G1 Climax 31 matches from Week 1

2) Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi - NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 2

When fans think about competitors with years' worth of history heading into the G1 Climax 31, the conversation begins and ends with Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. The rivalry between the two men has defined New Japan Pro Wrestling and has been the driving force behind its resurgence over the past decade.

On Night 1 of the G1 Climax 31, the main event of the evening was Tanahashi vs. Okada. The two men have a particular history in this tournament that has featured quite a number of 30-minute time limit draws.

At times, these draws have been the difference between the two men making it to the finals. Okada and Tanahashi used that past to great perfection here.

This G1 Climax 31 contest started out slow with neither man wanting to give the other an inch. Tanahashi came in with his usual gameplan of attacking the legs to put his opponent down and set up for the High Fly Flow. Okada came in with his new edge, looking to either hit his Rainmaker finisher or submit The Ace with the Money Clip.

This was a bout where every move, sequence and spot meant something. It naturally led to the next hold that their opponent would go for. They looked as if they were well on their way to yet another time limit draw when Okada caught Tana with a dropkick with less than a minute to go. He followed with a sitout tombstone and The Rainmaker to win. It was another instant classic by the arch rivals.